Customs Intercepts 1,600 Birds in Largest Wildlife Trafficking Bust

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted over 1,600 live birds at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, in what the agency has called the country’s largest wildlife trafficking bust to date.

The seizure, made on 31 July, involved species such as ring-necked parrots and green- and yellow-fronted canaries, which were being smuggled out of Nigeria to Kuwait, according to a statement released on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, by the customs agency.

Although the bust occurred more than a week earlier, officials delayed the announcement to protect ongoing investigations, said NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada.

“This is the largest seizure we’ve made by number,” Maiwada confirmed, noting that wildlife trafficking through Nigeria has become increasingly common in recent years.

Customs officers discovered the birds during routine checks at the airport’s cargo terminal.

Officials quickly flagged the shipment due to its lack of proper documentation and permits, a legal requirement for transporting wildlife even common species.

The birds were found packed in small cages, with no health certificates or transport clearance.

Although these species are not critically endangered, their transport is still regulated under both national and international laws.

The Nigeria bird trafficking bust shines a spotlight on the country’s growing role as a hub for illegal wildlife trade, largely due to porous borders, weak enforcement, and systemic corruption.

Authorities say an investigation is currently ongoing to identify and prosecute the individuals behind the illegal shipment.

The culprits face charges under Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws and may also be held accountable under international agreements.

The birds have since been handed over to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild.

“The welfare of the animals remains our priority,” the NCS said. “We are working closely with conservation agencies to ensure they are treated humanely.”

Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), a global treaty aimed at regulating the trade of rare and endangered species.

Yet, despite its commitment, Nigeria remains a key transit point for trafficked wildlife headed to Asia and the Middle East.

Conservation group BirdLife International estimates that the global illegal wildlife trade generates between $7 billion and $23 billion annually.

Songbirds like canaries are especially sought after for use in international singing competitions, while certain species of parrots can fetch over $1,000 each on the black market.

The Nigeria bird trafficking bust at Lagos airport highlights the growing scale and sophistication of the illegal wildlife trade.

As authorities deepen their investigations, conservationists are urging for stronger enforcement, better border monitoring, and harsher penalties to disrupt the global supply chain and protect vulnerable species

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